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Topic Review (Newest First)

05-26-2014 07:49 AM

blackshep

Hugging is a human thing, not a dog thing. I think some dogs feel very confined and restricted when you do that to them.

Don't force anything like that on him, if he's that uncomfortable that he freaks out and you force the issue, that might be a good way to get yourself bit.

If he likes being petted, then just do that, if it's what he enjoys. That is the point after all right? That he likes it?

I wouldn't worry too much about it

05-25-2014 01:40 PM

Alice13

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Alice hates it too. She'd last a max of 5s before she starts squirming and trying to free herself. She's 6 months old now n so far she has shown no dominance issues. She doesn't scream when I hug her though.

What Jax08 said. I've had dogs that are generally quite affectionate and loved to be near us, even leaning on us, but did not like hugs at all. She'd tolerate it briefly, then squirm away.

Keefer LOVES hugs, but he's not normal that way, lol. Halo is very cuddly and seems to enjoy hugs too, but probably just with us or people she knows, not strangers. Keef isn't very discriminating. There's pretty much no amount of affection that's too much for him and he's not picky about where it comes from.

05-25-2014 10:45 AM

Nigel

Quote:

Originally Posted by holland

Rorie and Anja have 2 very different personalities-Rorie will snuggle-while Anja is more the aloof GSD-Anja never liked hugs-however as she has aged if I hug her she seems to enjoy it and seems really content -so maybe dogs change as they age

Some do change. One of ours was a bit standoff-ish, but as she matured, definitely enjoys more attention.

05-25-2014 10:22 AM

petite

I second it's a personality thing. Daisy (non-GSD) is content to be carried around like a baby and is extremely affection motivated where as Fawn is really only cuddly when she's tired haha. As long as the dog tolerates handling for grooming/vet visits/pulling ticks/etc. I think your boy is fine.

05-25-2014 09:47 AM

lennyb

We got kinda lucky. Both my boys luv hugs / kisses / snuggles/ etc.. BUT we have a large family so they have been loved on ALOT since we got them. Bandit loves to be picked up and held But if you try to pick up Diago you got another thing coming. Just another example of how just like people their all a little different.

05-25-2014 09:34 AM

DonnaKay

Mine doesn't like an arm over her shoulders. She loves cuddling, kisses and hugs everywhere else, just not that one spot. I don't want to make her uncomfortable so I don't hug her that way. And that's OK. Dogs, just like people, have their little quirks.

05-25-2014 08:15 AM

Sunflowers

So stick with what the dog likes. Some humans don't like hugs, either.

05-25-2014 07:14 AM

Banshee5

My dog is now 3yrs and he never likes hugs or affection.He might lean against you for 5 secs for a pat but then he clears off again. If you are sitting outside he will sit away from you and not beside you. I don't mind as I don't want a sappy dog anyhow

05-21-2014 04:04 PM

Athena'sMom

My female loves hugs and cuddles. My male NO hugs!!! He sounds like a bear, he doesn't growl but make it known hey I don't like that. He has been that way since he was 7 weeks old. I just respect his personal space and if I want a doggy hug I go to Athena as she is much more affectionate and thrives on hands on affection. Sinister love praise and rubs but no restraint type hug. He will climb up and lay on my lap and lay on me just not me holding him.
Dogs have their own personalities and corks. They are not all the same.

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